USD School of Health Sciences Success Spotlight: Marit Johnson, PT,MSPT, PhD

By Alex Strauss

Marit Johnson

Degree: Master of Science in Physical Therapy 

Current Position: Clinical Research Scientist at Mainstay Medical, San Diego 

Marit Johnson of Florence, South Dakota, started her professional life as a civil engineer. She loved math and science and figured that civil engineering would allow her to apply both. But after three years in the field, she realized there was something else she loved just as much.  

"I found that I really missed anatomy," says Johnson. Thus began her journey into physical therapy. After having some conversations with instructors at USD, Johnson applied to the USD School of Health Sciences competitive Master of Science program in Physical Therapy. 

"I took my chances and put all my eggs in one basket," says Johnson of her decision to apply only to USD. "It was the first time that I was being embraced for having a really diverse educational background. One person told me, 'Your skill set in understanding mechanics is going to be really powerful in orthopedics.' That was kind of the hook that got me there."  

After graduation, Johnson practiced physical therapy at both Avera and Sanford clinics, becoming the head of chronic pain at Sanford's multidisciplinary pain clinic. Among her chronic pain patients, many were suffering with back pain. 

"I found that I really enjoyed working with the spine because it is such a challenging part of the body to understand," says Johnson. Johnson spent several years studying the spine, even earning an additional degree in biomedical engineering. She eventually landed at a California medical device company that focuses on chronic low back pain.  

Today, Johnson says she still leans on the lessons she learned at USD - both in and out of the classroom.  

"I have continued to be in touch with several of my USD instructors who have helped me throughout my career," she says. "One in particular has a way of making you feel like she's got your back and she's there to support you. It's something I did not always find in other places and I try to carry that forward with my own interns."